Lincoln University of Missouri Statement on Reaching Resolution with LUAA on Trademarks

University leaders reiterate pledge to continue building, expanding relationships with alumni around the globe "to strengthen the school we all love."

The Board of Curators of Lincoln University of Missouri today released the following statement after successfully resolving a legal dispute with the Lincoln University of Missouri Alumni Association, Inc. (LUAA).

“We are happy to have this matter resolved and for the opportunity to move forward with clarity and certainty as Lincoln University continues to deepen our relationships with alumni across the country and world, and to strengthen the school we all love,” said the Lincoln University Board of Curators.

The resolution was jointly announced by both parties after the legal dispute was resolved through mediation.

As part of the resolution, LUAA has agreed to change its name, and the names of all of its affiliated chapters, by July 31, 2025. Additionally, LUAA and its affiliated chapters will discontinue use of Lincoln University’s name and any other trademarks of Lincoln University across all platforms. As part of a recent joint filing with the Court, the parties asked the Court for “a permanent injunction against LUAA and its affiliated chapters, effective July 31, 2025, that enjoins LUAA and its affiliated chapters, as well as their successors and assigns, from using any trademarks, trade names, domain names, social media account names, or business names that contain or consist of LINCOLN, LINCOLN UNIVERSITY, and/or any of the other trademarks of Lincoln University”. Universities often register their trademarks to protect their intellectual property, and under both Missouri and federal trademark law, Lincoln University is required to monitor, control and oversee the use of its trademarks.

Both parties have mutually agreed to suspend efforts to formalize a relationship at this time. This follows LUAA’s refusal to agree to a financial audit as part of entering into a standard, formal Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that would have governed the relationship between the parties. LUAA instead opted to agree to today’s legal settlement. 

MOU agreements are widely used in academia to clarify relationships between universities and affiliated organizations, ensuring resources are appropriately allocated and protecting both universities and such affiliated organizations from legal and regulatory missteps that could harm students and the broader university communities. Lincoln University currently maintains MOU agreements with its other affiliated organizations, including the 62nd & 65th Regiments Legacy Foundation, Inc. and the Blue Tiger Athletics Club.

Going forward, Lincoln University and LUAA (under another name) will operate independently of one another and without a formal relationship.

Lincoln University has separately established an Alumni Council, charged with helping the University strengthen relationships with LU’s alumni network further and ensure a greater number of alumni voices are heard. Additionally, Lincoln University is continuing and expanding outreach to individual alumni chapters around the country to expand those working relationships and solicit new ideas for alumni engagement, events, and activities.

This legal dispute was resolved without either party admitting liability or the validity of the other party’s claims. 

Lincoln University leaders expressed appreciation for the cooperation and understanding of all parties involved in reaching this resolution.